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Automakers pile on luxury, extras to suit boomer tastes

By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

DETROIT  For car buyers craving the lap of luxury, automakers are responding. They are rolling out more high-end models or concepts aimed at capitalizing on boomers' increasing affluence and the SUV backlash after last year's gas-price shocks.

The Audi S6 sports a 5.2-liter V-10 engine.

By Jerry Mendoza, AP

High style is just one selling point. Just as significant is the ability to pile on the extras.

What carmakers are showing at the North American International Auto Show, running here through Sunday:

Lexus LS 460:

Stan Honda, AFP/Getty Images

The Lexus LS 460 is powered by a V-8 with an eight-speed transmission.

Do motorists really need the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission? "Yes," says Jim Press, president of Toyota's U.S. operation.

"It allows you to get really good mileage without sacrificing performance," he says.

Plus, he promises that drivers will actually be able to use them all.

Gears galore isn't the only over-the-top feature of Lexus' new flagship sedan, available this spring for a price yet to be disclosed. The new LS also offers a 380-horsepower, V-8 engine, a stereo system with 19 speakers and an ice chest under the rear seat.

The car will also have a feature to automatically parallel park itself.

The climate control will measure both the temperature of the car and of your body. "I've been afraid to ask where that sensor goes, but I'm sure it does a good job," Press said.

Audi S6:

The S6 sports a really big engine. It's a 5.2-liter V-10, similar to the one in the bigger S8.

The engine produces 420 horsepower, capable of hurtling the car from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.2 seconds.

The car also has two strips of LED lights embedded in the front bumper that serve as daytime running lights.

The car goes on sale in the spring; price undisclosed.

Infiniti Coupe concept:

Jeff Haynes, AFP/Getty Images

The Infiniti Coupe concept features a full-length glass panel roof.

This coupe is another slick ground-hugger with big, 20-inch wheels.

At least in its concept form, it has compact outside mirror housings with rearview cameras, LED taillights and large-diameter dual exhaust pipes.

But the biggest attraction is likely the full-length glass roof.

Designed in Japan, the Coupe concept has textured aluminum accents in the interior that are supposed to be a reminder of decorative printed Japanese paper.

Lincoln MKS concept:

Carlos Osorio, AP

The Lincoln MKS concept has 20-inch wheels, the largest ever on a Lincoln sedan.

This car is the one to see if you want an idea of where Lincoln may go with a replacement for the venerable Town Car.

It retains the Lincoln grille but doesn't look as bulbous as the current model.

The car has a new all-aluminum 4.4-liter, V-8 engine — rated at 315 horsepower — and a six-speed transmission. Inside, the MKS has seats that can be heated or cooled and a big sunroof.

For safety innovation, the MKS has a steering column that gauges its rate of collapse to a driver's size and safety-belt use in major accidents.

Chrysler Imperial concept:

Bill Pugliano, Getty Images

The Chrysler Imperial is based on Chrysler's hit, the 300C.

Yes, we know it looks like a Rolls-Royce.

But Chrysler Group's successful 300 series looks like a Bentley and that has hardly dampened sales.

The Imperial was once Chrysler's flagship big sedan. For this show car, Chrysler decided to think big. Really big. The Imperial is 17 inches longer and 6 inches wider than the 300.

If that's not big enough, try the 22-inch wheels. To make the car stand out even more, designers added plenty of chrome and striking rear doors.

Though it attracted plenty of looks, no word on whether it will be built.